Small island developing states (SIDS) and ICTs

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This publication reviews progress in access to affordable and modern digital technologies among Small Island Developing States (SIDS), since the 2014 Samoa conference. It provides examples to demonstrate progress made, showing how SIDS are using ICTs to help drive sustainable development, and includes a framework for tracking progress towards a universal and affordable Internet. The publication identifies key challenges faced by SIDS in advancing connectivity and makes specific recommendations. The Statistical Annex features key ICT indicators for the SIDS.

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Highlights of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and ICTs Mid-term review of the Samoa Pathway 

• ​Overall, SIDS are largely on track to achieve universality and affordability targets for Internet access by 2020. According to current trends, mobile broadband coverage will reach almost 90 per cent of the population.
• As infrastructure expands and affordability improves in the SIDS, other factors such as digital skills and awareness are becoming more significant constraints to Internet take-up.
• The regulatory environment in SIDS needs to be strengthened to promote a dynamic and sustainable ICT sector.
• In SIDS greater competition needs to be stimulated, while market attractiveness needs to be strengthened through transparent and flexible regulation.
  
• Sufficient spectrum needs to be made available for wireless broadband, and operators diversification into new business lines such as mobile money should be considered.​
• SIDS need to seize the opportunity created fibre-optic connectivity via submarine cable to dramatically increase their international bandwidth in order to foster digital entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Among SIDS, creating the conditions required to increase the use of ICT domestically and facilitate trade is vital in order to enable transformation to digital economies and reduce brain drain.
• It is imperative for SIDS to include ICT indicators in their national statistical systems.  Timely and relevant statistics are essential for policy-making and to monitor and fine-tune strategies.
• Assistance should be provided to create an environment conducive to expanding network infrastructure and developing regulatory expertise. In all the SIDS, there is significant scope for making greater use of digital technologies for sustainable development in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).​